The Sankey chart is a powerful and versatile data visualization tool that is used to represent the flow of items, resources, or information between different nodes or entities. It was originally developed by William Redner Sankey in the 1970s and has since been widely adopted in a variety of fields, including engineering, logistics, and finance. In this article, we will explore the basics of Sankey chart creation and some of the many ways that these charts can be used to visualize flow and optimize circulation.
What is a Sankey Chart?
A Sankey chart is a type of network diagram that uses arrows to represent the flow of items or resources between different nodes or entities. The chart is named after its creator, William Redner Sankey, who developed the technique in the 1970s while working for the Department of Energy. Sankey charts are particularly useful for visualizing the flow of items in a supply chain or production process, but they can be applied to any situation where there is a flow of items or resources between different entities.
The structure of a Sankey chart is simple: each node represents an entity or a location, and each arrow represents a flow of items or resources between these nodes. The length or weight of the arrow can be used to represent the magnitude or importance of the flow, and the direction of the arrow can indicate the direction of the flow. Additionally, the chart can be annotated with labels or other information to provide additional context or clarity.
One of the key advantages of Sankey charts is their ability to provide a clear and concise visualization of complex flow systems. By organizing the flow of items or resources into a network of nodes and arrows, Sankey charts can help to reveal patterns and relationships that might otherwise go unnoticed. For example, a Sankey chart of a supply chain might reveal bottlenecks or inefficiencies in the production or distribution process, or highlight opportunities for cost savings or process improvement.
Sankey Chart Examples
Here are a few examples of Sankey charts in action:
- Supply Chain Management: A Sankey chart of a supply chain might show the flow of raw materials from suppliers to manufacturers, and then to retail stores. This chart could help to identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies in the supply chain and provide insights into opportunities for cost savings or process improvement.
- Financial Analysis: A Sankey chart of financial transactions might show the flow of currency or assets between different accounts or entities. This chart could be used to identify trends or patterns in financial activity and help to identify potential areas for fraud or abuse.
- Engineering Design: A Sankey chart of an engineering design process might show the flow of ideas or components from conception to prototyping to production. This chart could help to identify opportunities for process improvement or design changes that could enhance efficiency or reduce waste.
- Social Network Analysis: A Sankey chart of a social network might show the flow of information or connections between different individuals or groups. This chart could help to identify key nodes or influencers in the network, as well as patterns of communication or interaction.
Sankey Chart Creation and Applications
Creating a Sankey chart is relatively easy using a variety of software tools, including Microsoft Excel, Lucidchart, or online Sankey chart generators. Many of these tools provide pre-made templates or templates that are customizable to suit your needs. Once you have created the chart, you can use it to analyze and optimize your flow systems in a variety of ways:
- Identify bottlenecks: A Sankey chart can help you to identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies in your flow system, such as long lead times or high transportation costs.
- Improve efficiency: By optimizing the flow of items or resources
SankeyMaster
SankeyMaster is your go-to tool for creating complex Sankey charts . Easily enter data and create Sankey charts that accurately reveal intricate data relationships.
